Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.

The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his or her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Position Title: Middle School Music Teacher
Department: Middle School

FTE: 1.0 (Exempt)
Reports to: Middle School Head

POSITION SUMMARY
Catlin Gabel seeks a full time middle school teacher responsible for primarily teaching music to grades 6-8 with opportunities to teach in the upper school as well. The music classes serve students with different skills and interests. We are seeking an experienced, dynamic music instructor who can build on our diverse ensemble offerings such songwriting, electronic music composition, and rock band. We are open to new course offerings that suit our students’ skills and interests. The ideal candidate will have experience using a variety of teaching methods to support different learning styles and will be interested in teaching the whole spectrum of students. The candidate should be excited to help students build self-confidence through successful exploration and discovery in music; we hope that the person we hire will collaborate with the rest of the arts department and the upper school music teacher to build a program that serves students from 6 to 12 grade.

Catlin Gabel is a community where collaboration and relationships are pivotal to learning. As such, the personal qualities of this candidate are vital. These include being a supportive, engaged, and flexible role model who demonstrates the qualities of a life-long learner, a sense of humor, and an infectious enthusiasm for working with middle school students. This teacher must be culturally competent and eager to create an inclusive environment. We are looking for someone able to work effectively with others in a spirit of collegiality. Ideally, this individual would have some interest in envisioning a 6-12 grade music program. As a progressive school, we expect all employees to embrace whole-child education, inquiry-based practices, educating for democracy, and experiential learning pedagogies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Teach general music classes in the middle school
• Differentiate instruction for different abilities
• Engage in culturally responsive ways
• Create a safe, inclusive classroom environment
• Work with students to help them develop mindsets and skills like: curiosity, creativity, teamwork, resilience, empathy, independence, time management, and responsible decision making
• Regularly attend, actively listen, and contribute to team meetings and activities, including grade level activities, trips, and community engagement
• Develop, plan, and lead or co-lead experiential learning activities with a group of students
• Communicate in a clear and timely fashion with parents, students, and colleagues
• Integrate the use of technology to enhance student learning
• Support and follow the Faculty Handbook for Policies and Procedure and MS Professional Expectations
• Act as middle school advisor
• Other duties as assigned by Middle School Head

SCOPE OF WORK
While in-class teaching is generally done independently, ongoing collaboration is expected with all music and arts colleagues across the school. Collaboration with grade level teams, committees as assigned, and the Middle School Head are also expected.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACT
Interactions occur most routinely with students in the classroom and during other activities. Many informal interactions with students for whom the teacher has no direct supervision or responsibility happen regularly. Daily contact ranges from direct teaching of curriculum to informal exchanges of a personal or social nature. Regular contact with colleagues, particularly those working in the same grade level, discipline or on a joint project is expected. Frequent contact with parents either for scheduled conferences or casual conversation is a community norm. Responsible and active collaboration with colleagues, in all divisions, is expected. Important personal qualities include interest in and demonstrated ability to teach and support teenagers, ability to work effectively with a team, a sense of humor, flexibility, organizational ability, energy, and collegiality.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• BA or BS in music or related field required.
• MA or MFA in music or related field and/or related experience preferable.
• At least two years demonstrated effective music teaching experience required.
• Experience with curriculum development is preferable
• Demonstrated experience with adolescents is required.
• Use of internet, e-mail, and other appropriate technology applications is essential.
• Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment is preferable.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a faculty position with an academic year schedule. Teachers are expected to be on campus at least between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily and to attend other functions as designated. Full-time faculty teachers are expected to accompany students on various experiential activities throughout the year. There are some mandatory evening and weekend commitments.